'Wednesday' Success Left Jenna Ortega an 'Unhappy Person'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
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'Wednesday' is easily one of the most beloved shows on Netflix.
The first season of the critically acclaimed series is also the most popular on the streaming platform, totaling 252.1 million views.
Here's a deep dark look at the misery and mystery awaiting you in Wednesday Season 2. pic.twitter.com/J9EN7l5ENS — Netflix (@netflix) May 20, 2025
A large part of this success is because of the excellent performance from Jenna Ortega, who has used the success to go on and star in films like 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' 'Scream VI,' and 'Death of a Unicorn.'
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However, that doesn't mean the global response has been all positive for the talented actor.
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in "Wednesday," which comes out on Netflix on Wednesday, November 23.
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in "Wednesday," which comes out on Netflix on Wednesday, November 23.
Netflix
In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega revealed that the massive success following 'Wednesday' actually left her unhappy.
"To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person," Ortega said. "After the pressure, the attention — as somebody who's quite introverted, that was so intense and so scary."
Introducing our summer 2025 cover star: #JennaOrtega. From 'Jane the Virgin' to 'You' and 'Scream,' Ortega's been gracing our screens for years now. But it was Netflix's 'Wednesday' that made her a global phenomenon. Still, she's determined not to be constrained by it. Ahead of… pic.twitter.com/NeycpKCpLo — Harper's BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) May 28, 2025
However, there are plenty of positive things Ortega has taken from Wednesday Addams.
"I definitely feel like I have a bit more Gothic taste than I did when I was a teenager," Ortega said. "I've always been into dark things or been fascinated by them, but I was a Disney kid, and the whole thing is being bubbly and kind and overly sweet."
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On top of this, Ortega has become a producer on 'Wednesday' and has more say in the production.
"I sit in on meetings and listen and learn. I'm still finding my footing in that area," Ortega revealed. "Season 2 is bigger, bolder, gorier, and a bit darker. It's sillier in the best way possible."
Jenna Ortega Is Not Asking Permission https://t.co/BVoYk9pjvO — Harper's BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) May 28, 2025
Now, Ortega is thankful for the fandom that has developed because of 'Wednesday.'
"I want to be able to give back to them. But I also want to do things that are creatively fulfilling to me," Ortega said. "So it's finding that balance of doing movies that they might be interested in and then doing movies that I'm interested in.
"[I want roles that are] older and bolder and different. And then I want to be able to line up all of my girls and see something different in all of them."
'Wednesday' Season 2 is set to release in two parts on Netflix, starting on Aug. 6 and ending on Sept. 3.
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For more Netflix and television news, head on over to Newsweek Entertainment.
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